2023: Handle political campaigns with professionalism, NBC tells broadcasters

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has asked broadcasters to handle political campaigns with professionalism.

According to NAN, Balarabe Ilelah, the director-general of NBC, said this on Monday at a multi-stakeholders dialogue held in Abuja.

As campaigns for the 2023 elections are set to begin on September 28, Ilelah asked broadcasters to ensure not to allow hate speech or fake news on their platforms.

“This is in addition to ensuring equity in airtime allocation and coverage of political parties’ activities, particularly during prime times,” he said.

“It is also the time for you to make money from political adverts and campaigns, but ensure that this is done within the ambit of the law.

“Broadcasters are also required to handle live political rallies with care and due professionalism. This is in addition to studio-based live political interviews/broadcasts. Because of the sensitivities of such programmes, broadcasters are advised to install delay mechanisms.

“Remember that broadcast stations are held responsible for any breach. The stations shall, therefore, assume and accept editorial responsibility.

“I also use this opportunity to remind broadcasters not to allow any form of hate speech, fake news, derogatory or divisive remarks and any incendiary broadcast on their platforms.”

He encouraged Nigerians to complain to NBC if the content on any station annoys their sensibilities or sensitivity.

On his part, Mahmood Yakubu, chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said the media plays a critical role in ensuring more effective public enlightenment on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and other aspects of the electoral process.

Yakubu said political parties, candidates, their supporters, as well as the media have a responsibility to operate within the confines of the law and the provisions of the commission’s rules and regulations.